Criminal cases will be prepared for court from Medway Police Station in future with closer working between police and prosecutors.

The Crown Prosecution Service, (CPS) for Medway and North Kent is moving its operations to the force’s Gillingham base.

Lisa Brown, assistant district crown prosecutor said the move, which took place on Monday ,is part of a shake-up the organisation and will prepare it for future demands.

The changes comes as a result of wider multi-phased modernization programme started a year ago.

The restructuring has created two districts with a number of prosecution teams each headed by an assistant district crown prosecutor.

The teams will link in with Kent Police area command units.

Medway and North Kent Prosecution team deal with Medway and Dartford Magistrates’ Courts as well as cases committed or sent from those courts to Maidstone Crown Court.

Since April this year the team of 12 prosecutors and four associate prosecutors has dealt with a caseload of more than 7,000.

They will now all be based in spacious new offices and improved facilities at the multi-million pound building, in Purser Way.

The team will work closely with police officers advising about cases for possible prosecution, reviewing cases and determining the charges in all but minor cases.

Lisa Brown added: “Moving into Kent Police station will increase our flexibility and compliment the service we are offering to the Police, our partner agencies and the public.

“We are grateful for the support shown by Kent Police and the accommodation they have provided”

Medway Police area commander, Chief Sup Steve Corbishley said: “The CPS are important partners in tackling crime in Medway.

“It is great news that their team are moving into our station and we are looking forward to having an even closer working relationship.”

Roger Coe-Salazar chief crown prosecutor, added: “The relocation of our Medway and North Kent team is the culmination of an exciting few months for us. “This move is the latest in the re-shaping of our service.

“I’m firmly of the view that we need to modernise as an organisation to meet both the present and future demands placed upon us to enhance our service to the public.”